When it comes to the best books like Harry Potter Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief is often considered one of the best books for fans of Harry Potter, and for good reason. While the two series tell very different stories—one about a young wizard navigating the world of magic, the other about a modern-day demigod discovering his place among the gods—they share many of the same elements that make them engaging, magical, and unforgettable. From a reluctant young hero with hidden powers to a richly developed world full of mythology, adventure, and humor, Percy Jackson carries the same spirit of discovery, friendship, and epic storytelling that made Harry Potter a global phenomenon.
Just like Harry, Percy starts out as an ordinary boy who feels like an outsider—struggling in school, dealing with an unusual childhood, and feeling like he doesn’t quite fit in. When he learns that he is actually the son of Poseidon, one of the Greek gods, his world is turned upside down, much like Harry’s when he discovers he’s a wizard.
Both Percy and Harry go through the classic hero’s journey, beginning as underdogs with mysterious pasts, only to discover that they have an important role in a much larger, magical world. Their struggles to adapt—whether it’s learning magic at Hogwarts or training at Camp Half-Blood—make them deeply relatable protagonists who grow into their power and responsibility.
One of the most beloved aspects of Harry Potter is Hogwarts, the enchanted school where young witches and wizards learn to control their abilities. Percy Jackson offers a similar experience with Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods where Percy and his fellow campers learn how to harness their divine gifts.
Like Hogwarts, Camp Half-Blood is a place filled with strange traditions, unique training sessions, and a deep history tied to mythology. Both settings serve as safe havens for their young heroes, offering them the guidance and resources they need to survive in a world filled with magical dangers. The idea of a magical school or training ground is something that deeply resonates with young readers, making Percy Jackson a natural fit for fans of Harry Potter.
Friendship plays a central role in both Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Just as Harry, Ron, and Hermione form an unbreakable trio, Percy is accompanied by Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, who help him navigate the perils of his new world.
Annabeth, like Hermione, is brilliant, logical, and highly skilled, providing valuable knowledge and strategy to their adventures.
Grover, like Ron, is loyal, comedic, and sometimes nervous, but always willing to stand by his friends in battle.
This dynamic makes Percy Jackson feel as heartfelt and engaging as Harry Potter, with strong friendships that evolve over the course of the series. The camaraderie, teamwork, and emotional depth of their relationships create powerful bonds that readers become deeply invested in.
Both Percy Jackson and Harry Potter are rooted in myth, magic, and ancient lore. In Harry Potter, the wizarding world is filled with magical creatures, spells, and ancient artifacts, while in Percy Jackson, the story draws heavily from Greek mythology, bringing gods, monsters, and legendary quests into the modern world.
Each story features a central prophecy that predicts the hero’s role in a great conflict:
Harry is part of a prophecy that foretells his battle against Voldemort.
Percy learns of The Great Prophecy, which predicts the fate of Olympus and the role he will play in protecting or destroying the gods.
This use of fate, destiny, and ancient wisdom gives both series a grand, timeless quality, making them feel larger than life while still being deeply personal.
What makes Percy Jackson so engaging—much like Harry Potter—is its perfect balance of humor, action, and mystery.
Rick Riordan’s writing is full of witty dialogue, sarcastic humor, and modern-day twists on ancient mythology, much like J.K. Rowling’s mix of whimsy, charm, and clever world-building. Percy’s first-person narration is laugh-out-loud funny, making the book just as enjoyable for older readers as it is for kids.
At the same time, the series has plenty of mystery and intrigue, as Percy must piece together clues about who stole Zeus’s lightning bolt, who he can trust, and what role he plays in the larger conflict. This blend of lighthearted fun and high-stakes adventure is what makes Percy Jackson feel so much like Harry Potter.
Like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson starts as a self-contained adventure, but as the series progresses, the story expands into a much larger battle between good and evil.
In Harry Potter, the war against Voldemort builds slowly, with early books laying the groundwork for the ultimate confrontation between Harry and the Dark Lord. In Percy Jackson, the first book focuses on a small but critical quest, but over time, it becomes clear that an ancient war is coming, with Percy and his friends playing key roles in the battle between the Olympian gods and the Titans.
This gradual escalation of stakes, where a young hero must rise to fight an overwhelming dark force, makes both series feel epic in scale, giving readers a true sense of growth, responsibility, and sacrifice.
Both Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are written for younger readers, but their themes, humor, and character depth make them enjoyable for all ages. The stories explore friendship, loyalty, identity, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world, making them just as meaningful to older readers as they are to kids.
Much like Hogwarts, Camp Half-Blood feels like a place readers wish they could visit. The idea of belonging to a world where magic (or mythology) is real is deeply appealing, making Percy Jackson a perfect follow-up for anyone who misses the magic of Harry’s world.
While Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief is not about wizards, it carries the same heart, adventure, and sense of discovery that made Harry Potter a global sensation. With a brave young hero, a magical training ground, strong friendships, epic quests, and a battle between good and evil, the book feels like a fresh, modern take on mythological fantasy, perfectly suited for readers who love immersive world-building and thrilling adventures.
For fans searching for a story with magic, mystery, humor, and heart, Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief is the perfect book to pick up next.